'Monstrous, mindless': Chidambaram criticises 'One Nation, One Election' plan

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram vehemently opposed the proposed 'One Nation, One Election' framework during a recent appearance before a joint parliamentary committee. Describing the initiative as "unconstitutional," "monstrous," and "mindless," Chidambaram argued that synchronizing Lok Sabha and state assembly elections could breach the constitutional framework governing the elected legislatures.

He contended that curtailing the five-year term of legislatures would violate the basic structure of the Constitution. Chidambaram also claimed that he could not support the legislation due to his conscience and expressed doubt about the government's ability to pass the bills, given the lack of a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha.

Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghosh, another member of the committee, also opposed the bills, warning that they could grant "unbridled" power to the Election Commission. The joint committee, chaired by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, also received input from around ten Padma awardees, with some supporting the proposal and others warning of potential chaos and disruption in the country.

The two bills were introduced in December 2024 and referred to the joint committee for further examination, following recommendations from a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.